Lexus adds adaptive dampers to GS F and RC F

Lexus has updated its GS F and RC F range for 2017 with the addition of Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS).

The Japanese luxury marque will price its GS F range from $153,540 (plus on-road costs) with Alcantara trim as standard, adding $2960 for up-spec semi-aniline upholstery. The inclusion of AVS is now standard on the GS F but hikes the base price by $2050.

The two-door 2017 RC F range now starts from $138,240, an increase of $2750 on 2016 prices. The range-topping RC F Carbon price rises to $158,837, an increase of $9067. See the full pricing list below.

On both vehicles AVS electronically monitors and controls the damping force at all four wheels simultaneously, adapting damping forces dependant on road speed and conditions, and driver preference.

The technology uses a range of sensors – including g-force, yaw-rate and speed sensors – to continually monitor ride and handling parameters, offering as many as 30 levels of damping force, and seven damping-force control strategies, including anti-dive and anti-squat.

AVS cooperates with Lexus' stability and traction control systems and three-stage Driver Mode Select control.

Both the GS F and RC F share Lexus 351kW 5.0-litre V8, driving the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Lexus has also upgraded the dynamics of the less extreme models too, the RC 350 Luxury and Sports Luxury now gaining a front performance body damper previously exclusive to RC 350 F Sport. In addition to the GS F and RC F suspension upgrade, Lexus has introduced a new grey exterior colour for GS F and a new black paint for RC F, while the RC F also gains a new machine-finished alloy wheel with seven pairs of spokes.

Lexus sold 7941 vehicles to the end of October this year, a 6.6 per cent improvement on the same time last year. Included in that number are 184 GS variants and 462 RC models.

2017 Lexus GS F pricing:
>> GS 200t Luxury – $76,220 (unchanged)
>> GS 200t F Sport – $84,380 (unchanged)
>> GS 300h Luxury – $79,520 (unchanged)
>> GS 300h F Sport – $87,680 (unchanged)
>> GS 350 F Sport – $95,600 (unchanged)
>> GS 350 Sports Luxury – $107,330 (unchanged)
>> GS 450h F Sport – $108,080 (unchanged)
>> GS 450h Sports Luxury – $119,810 (unchanged)
>> GS F – $153,540 (+$2050)

2017 Lexus RC pricing:
>> RC 200t Luxury – $65,090 (unchanged)
>> RC 200t F Sport – $74,180 (unchanged)
>> RC 200t Sports Luxury – $84,890 (unchanged)
>> RC 350 Luxury – $68,390 (unchanged)
>> RC 350 F Sport – $77,240 (unchanged)
>> RC 350 Sports Luxury – $88,240 (-$40)
>> RC F – $138,240 (+$2750)
>> RC F Carbon – $158,837 (+$9067)